Savory Low Calorie Flatbread Pizza

Let me tell you about my journey with pizza. Growing up, I thought the only way to enjoy a slice was to order takeout or grab a frozen one from the store. Making pizza at home seemed way too complicated, and the healthy versions I tried were always disappointing.

That’s until I discovered this flatbread pizza trick. It’s basically foolproof, and you don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated ingredients. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want pizza but don’t want to feel guilty about it afterward. Trust me, this low-calorie version has become my go-to dinner solution.

What Kind of Flatbread Should I Use?

There are several good flatbread options available at most grocery stores that work perfectly for making pizza. While brands like Flatout! are specifically designed for this purpose, you can also use pita bread, naan, or even lavash bread as your base. The key is to look for flatbreads that are thin and sturdy enough to hold your toppings without getting soggy. If you’re watching your calories, check the nutrition label and aim for options with around 100-130 calories per flatbread. For the best results, choose flatbreads that are fresh and haven’t been sitting in your pantry too long, as fresher ones will crisp up better in the oven.

Options for Substitutions

This light pizza recipe is super adaptable and there are plenty of ways to switch things up:

• Flatbread: Can’t find Flatout? Try using pita bread, whole wheat tortillas, or even a low-carb lavash wrap. Just keep in mind that cooking times might need to be adjusted by a minute or two depending on the thickness.
• Pizza sauce: No pizza sauce? You can use marinara sauce, pureed tomatoes with Italian herbs, or even a light spread of pesto. For a white pizza option, try using a thin layer of light ricotta cheese.
• Part-skim mozzarella: Feel free to swap in other reduced-fat cheeses like provolone or an Italian cheese blend. For dairy-free options, try plant-based cheese alternatives, though they might not melt quite the same way.
• Turkey pepperoni: You can skip the pepperoni altogether or try other lean proteins like diced chicken breast, Canadian bacon, or even thinly sliced mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
• Olive oil: While olive oil adds nice flavor, you can use cooking spray to cut calories further, or try avocado oil for a different taste.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when making flatbread pizza is ending up with a soggy crust – to prevent this, pre-bake your flatbread for 2-3 minutes before adding toppings, which creates a crispy base that won’t get weighed down.

Another common mistake is overloading your flatbread with too many toppings or too much sauce, which can make it difficult to eat and prevent the crust from crisping up properly – stick to a thin layer of sauce and a light sprinkle of cheese for the best results.

To get that perfect crispy-chewy texture, position your oven rack in the upper third of the oven and watch the pizza carefully during the final few minutes of baking – the edges should be golden brown and the cheese just starting to bubble.

For extra flavor without adding calories, try brushing the edges of your flatbread with a little garlic-infused olive oil before adding toppings, and always let your pizza rest for 1-2 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set.

What to Serve With Flatbread Pizza?

Since this is a lighter take on pizza, it pairs perfectly with fresh, simple sides that won’t weigh you down. A crisp arugula salad with a light lemon dressing makes an excellent partner to this flatbread – the peppery greens balance out the savory pizza toppings really nicely. If you’re looking to add more veggies to your meal, try some roasted broccoli or zucchini on the side, which you can cook in the oven while your pizza is baking. For a complete meal that stays true to the low-calorie theme, consider adding some fresh-cut vegetables with a side of hummus or Greek yogurt dip.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Once your flatbread pizza has cooled down completely, wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 days. The texture is best when eaten within the first day or two though!

Make Ahead: You can prep these pizzas assembly-line style! Get your toppings ready and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble and bake. This way, the flatbread won’t get soggy, and you’ll have fresh-tasting pizza in minutes.

Warm Up: To get that pizza crispiness back, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. I’d skip the microwave since it tends to make the flatbread chewy instead of crispy. A toaster oven works great too if you’re just warming up a single serving!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	7-8 minutes
Total Time	17-23 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 g

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup part skim mozzarella cheese
• 1 wheat flatbread
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• oregano
• 12 slices turkey pepperoni (I use Applegate Naturals)
• 2 tbsp reduced salt pizza sauce (I prefer Muir Glen Organic)

Step 1: Prepare for Baking

Begin by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

While the oven heats up, place your flatbread on a cookie sheet to serve as the base for your pizza.

Step 2: Assemble the Pizza Base

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) over the top of the flatbread.

Use a spoon to spread the pizza sauce evenly over the flatbread, ensuring it reaches the edges for full flavor coverage.

Step 3: Add Cheese and Toppings

Sprinkle your choice of cheese over the pizza sauce, setting aside a little cheese to use as a top layer.

Arrange the pepperonis over the layer of cheese, then sprinkle the reserved cheese on top to complete the assembly.

Step 4: Bake the Pizza

Place the cookie sheet with the flatbread pizza in the preheated oven.

Bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the cheese becomes bubbly and starts to brown slightly, indicating it’s perfectly melted.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once your pizza is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly to make slicing easier.

Cut the pizza into portions and sprinkle some oregano on top for extra flavor.

Share with a friend and enjoy your homemade flatbread pizza!